Variable type printing machine



Nov. 11, 1941. CQLTON I 2,261,965

VARIABLE TYPE PRINTING MACHINE Filed Sept. 19, 1938 7 Sheets-Sheet l INVENTOR.

ATTORNEY.

Nov. 11, 194-1. COLTON 2,261,965

VARIABLE TYPE PRINTING MACHINE Filed Sept. 19, 1958 '7 Sheets-Sheet 2 IN VENTOR.

AZ vha f'Colzon,

@M Ja/ fi/ ATTORNEY.

Nov. 11, 1941.- A. F. COLTON VARIABLE TYPE RINTING MACHINE Filed Sept. 19, 1938 '7 Sheets-Sheet 3 lllllllk I I l l 1 ll 1 n LIE INVENTOR. h a F (0 Z a on;

By M

flwem ATTORNEY.

Nov. 11, 1941." F. COLTONQ 2,261,965

VARIABLE TYPEPRINTING MACHINE Filed Sept. 19, 1938 '7 Shets-Sheet 4 )UUQ I N VENT OR.

AZp/za FCoZtoru ATTORNEY.

Nov.-11, 1941. A. F. coLToN VARIABLE TYPE PRINTING MACHINE l iled Sept. 19, 1938 7 Sheets-Sheet 5 mmw ATTORNEY.

Nov. 11, 1941. A, F, COLTON 2,261,965

VARIABLE TYPE' PRINTING MACHINE Filed Sept. 19, 1938 7 Sheets-Sheet 6 INVENTOR.

ATTORNEY.

Nov. 11, 1941. -A. F. coLToN I ,9

1 VARIABLE TYPEPRINTING MACHINE Filed, Sept. 19, 1938 '7 Sheets-Sheet 7 p PC0210);

am wm ATTORNEY.

Patented Nov. 11, 1941 VARIABLE TYPE PRINTING MACHINE Alpha F. Colton, Detroit, Mich. Application September 19, 1938, Serial No. 231,307

Claims. This invention relates to printing machines and particularly to an improved typewriting machine capable of printing a variety of printing fonts and of providing a practically unlimited number of widths for each printing character.

An important object of this invention is to provide a machine of compact proportions approximating the size ofa typewriter adapted to print various types or fonts of characters and to give an individual spacing to the characters. It is desirable that an automatic line justifying mechanism of the type illustrated in my copending application, Serial No. 42,796, filed September 30, 1935, now Patent No. 2,133,973, be,

incorporated in the machine. As a result, a machine constructed in accordance with this invention and including the automatic justifler of my copending application is able toproduce a typed original that is equal to a proof from printers type. Photographic reproductions of thisprinted material can be used to form type plates for printing purposes. If desired, the automatic justification and indention control described in my copending application Serial No. 230,733, filed Sept. 19, 1938, could be incorporated in this machine.

Other important objects of this invention are to provide a machine of small proportions, which will rapidly substitute any one of several type faces and automatically space the characters on the printed surface in the most pleasing letter widths. In accomplishing the objects of this invention, the machine is of such a design that a whole set of type bars and associatedparts is readily insertible into and removable from the machine. Each set of type bars thus inserted is provided with a particular kind of font such as roman, italic, or bold face type. The machine is preferably provided with a novel track construction extending operatively between a bank of keys and the print receiving surface. Mounted on this track is a body or unit carrying a plurality of sets of type bars and associated parts. One such unit at a time is capable of being moved. along the track into operating position before the print receiving surface. The machine is so constructed that there is no need to connect any parts together as each unit is shifted into operating position. The machine is thus capable of utilizing several diflerent kinds of type without any extra effort on the part of the operator other than to bodily shift the desired set of type bars along the track into operating position.

The machine constructed in accordance with this invention is provided with novel mechanism for individually varying the spacing of the characters or letters as they are printed. It is well understood in the printing art that printed letters vary in width, and heretofore in the use of type setting or composing machines the spacing of the letters was accomplished by casting the metal slugs containing the letters in various widths. The present machine provides a novel escapement mechanism for shifting one part of the machine, such as the print receiving surface, in step by step fashion as character impressions are made which is capable of providing a practically unlimited variation of letter widths. As a result any design or proportion of faces may be typed on the print receiving surface without shifting or adjusting any part of the machine. The escapement mechanism accomplishing this result is composed of a plurality of escapement devices mutually interrelated and so arranged that two or more of these devices may be operated simultaneously to obtain the desired character spacing. The several devices of the escapement mechanism are associated together so that they act cumulatively or additively together in one direction therethrough to cause shifting movement of the body or platen upon which the print receiving surface is mounted. Novel operating elements are provided for actuating any one or several or all of the escapement devices as a key is operated to swing a type bar against the print receiving surface. These elements are preferably permanently installed in the machine and are disposed in positions where they are readily operated upon by any one of the displaceable units of type bar sets insertable in the machine. By varying the construction of the individual operating parts of the machine itis possible not only to provide a difierent width for different characters but also to provide a different width for the same letter as it appears in the different printing fonts.

An important feature of this-invention is the provision of novel mechanism for positively preventing binding or locking of parts if there is any overlapping action particularly as regards printing of capital and small letters. The machine as in typewriters in general is provided with a shift mechanism for typing capital letters when the keys are struck. In the present invention two connections are provided between each key and its type bar, one for operating the type bar to strike a small letter and the other for operating the type bar to strike a capital letter. Novel means is v rovired which, when the shift mechanism is operated for printing capital letters, instantly and automatically renders the connection for typing small letters inoperative. When the connection for typing small letters is resumed the connection for operating the type bars to print capital letters is instantly and automatically removed from operation.

Another important feature of this invention is the provision of novel power operated means for operating the type bars. The stored energy of springs is employed for individually operating the type bars. These springs are adjustable in a novel manner to vary the individual typing strokes. Novel means is operable after each type bar has been used to instantly self cock the type bar against the tension of the springs for succeeding type actions. The parts are so operatively associated together be performed by the operator as rapidly as on the ordinary typewriter. There is no necessity for waiting until each type bar falls back into its initial operating position. On the contrary the machine may be operated so quickly that one type bar may be making an impression on the print receiving surfacewhile another type bar may be settling back and a third type bar rising to make the next succeeding impression.

Various other objects, advantages, and meritorious features will become more fully apparent from the following specification, appended claims, and accompanying drawings, wherein:

' Figure 1 is a cross sectional view through a machine embodying the invention from front to rear and taken along line l-I of Fig. 2,

. Fig. 2 is a front view of the central portion of "I the machine shown in Fig. 1 partially broken away for clarity,

Fig. 3 is a top view of the central portion of the machine and indicating in dotted outline the positionof certain parts in the interior of the machine,

Fig. -4 is a horizontal cross-sectional view through the base portion of the frame,

Fig. 5 is an enlarged detail of one of the mechanisms for operating a type bar showing one position of its movement,

Fig. 6 is an enlarged detail view of the escapement mechanism partially broken to show the interior construction,

Fig. 7 is a cross sectional view through the escapement mechanism along line 1'| of Fig. 6 and shows the underside of one of the escapement devices in the mechanism,

Fig; 8 is a cross sectional view along line 8-8 in Fig. 9 and shows the formation of the discs utilized in the escapement mechanism,

Fig. 9 is a detail view of the operating rods and discs in the escapement mechanism,

Fig. 10 is an enlarged detail view of the elements employed in each escapement mechanism,

Fig. 11 is an enlarged plan view of the clutch ployed between the escapement mechanism and the carriage,

Fig. 12 is a cross sectional view of the clutch in Fig. 11 along line l2-l2 thereof, and

Fig. 13 is a view illustrating examples of printed material producible upon a machine of this invention showing particularly various kinds of fonts and the variable widths of the characters.

The purpose of the invention may be best explained by referring to Fig. 13 where several different kinds of type such as that used by printers are shown. These various fonts of type, roman, italic, bold face and others, are regularly prothat the typing may the travelling carriage.

duced by printers on Monotype, Linotype and other forms of printing machines. These machines space the letters from one another so that a line of such characters looks uniform to the eye, that is, the letters in the words do not appear to be spaced at one point and crowded at another point. It is the purpose of the present invention to produce the same kind of printing from a machine similar in size and principle to that of an ordinary typewriter. The machine may well have the usual features of a typewriter such as a keyboard, a movable carriage or platen, an escapement mechanism, an inked ribbon, and type bars which swing in an are when a key on the keyboard is depressed and strike the platen through the inked ribbon. The machine described herein incorporates these parts. It is understood, however, that the principles of the invention are applicable to other forms of printing machines.

Referring to Fig. 1, the machine comprises. in general, a keyboard l0, each key of which is individually depressible, and a movable carriage l2 carrying a roller platen l4 against which a series of typebars l6 strike to make the printing impressions. As is customary in typewriter use, paper will be rolled about the platen and the faces of the type bars will strike the paper through an inked ribbon stretched through a ribbon support l8 shown in Fig. 2. The stored energy of a spring (not shown) or other form of power means acts upon the carriage l2 and yieldingly urges it in one escapement mechanism, generally indicated at 20, acts to impart a step by step motion to the carriage as printing impressions are made by the type bars. It is operatively coupled through a one way drive mechanism 22 to a rack bar 24 supported on the carriage.

Encircling the machine is a rectangular frame 25. At the back and sides of the machine walls are provided for partially enclosing the operating parts, the front and top being open as is customary to permit access to the keyboard and to Extending transversely of the frame 24 and operatively between the platen roller and the keyboard is a sub-frame 26. This sub-frame is shaped with a depressed central portion :28 and raised marginal portions 30. The latter'form a pair of tracks or ways upon which moves a plurality of sets of type bars and operating means therefor. As shown in Fig. 4 thesub-frame 26 including the track portions 30 pry fleets from opposite sides of the machine. Thitiacks are each grooved longitudinally as shown at 32 in Fig. 4. These grooves receive vertical slide-bars 34 the edges of the grooves and provide a sliding support for the several sets of type bars and operating means therefor. At spaced intervals, dowel pins 36 project from the top edges of the slide bars. Overlying the top edges of the slide bars and bearing upon the top of the tracks 30 are horizontal slide bars 38. These last bars are provided with holes through which the dowel pins project as shown. Each pair of horizontal and vertical slide bars form a T-shape sliding support for a plurality of units containing certain operating parts of the machine.

The units above referred to each include in this particular embodiment of the invention a set of type bars, operating mechanism therefor,

and control means for determining the length of carriage travel as each typing operation is performed. The supporting framework of each unit direction of its travel. An

which lie flush with r comprises spaced parallel supporting members 40 fixed to and arranged so that they bear upon the strips 38. The supporting members 40 are of a length approximating the side dimensions of a set of type bars. Holes are provided in the members 40 as indicated in Fig. 4 at M for receiving the projecting ends of the dowel pins. Bridging the supporting members 34 at spaced intervals are parallel upright supporting plates 42. Between these plates are assembled the parts for operating the type bars of that particular set. Rods 43 passing through the plates act to hold the same in place. Extending transversely of the plates at the top is a type bar segment 44 of customary construction. It is slotted along its bottom edge to receive the pivoted ends of the type bars I6-. A wire extending through the slotted edge of the segment acts as a bearing point about which the type bars swing. The above assemblage forms a complete unit removable from the machine by merely lifting the unitbodily from the track.

The track in the present embodiment of the invention is long enough to receive three such units as that described above. When three units are properly connected to the slide bars 34 and 38 by fitting the dowel pins into holes provided therefor in the members 40, the three units are shiftable left and right through the machine. The type bar sets of each unit are designated by the reference numerals 45, 46 and 41. Each set may have a difierent kind of character desi n, the left set 45 may have italic font, the center set 46 may have roman font, and the right set 41 may have bold face font.

To dispose 'each unit in operating position before the platen roller, concave depressions are formed in the sides of the vertical slide bars 34 into which spring pressed balls 48 are pressed when a unit is disposed in operating position on the track. The operator can tell by the sudden check'v imposed on the travel movement of the units by the spring pressed balls when they enter a depression that one of the units is in position for typing. The halls, however, will yield to extra force being exerted to shift the units.

Each type bar in each unit is provided with its own operating mechanism. These Ioperating mechanisms are similar and a description of one will suffice for the others. Referring in particular to Figs. 1 and 5. each type bar I6 is provided with an arm 50 extending angularly below the segment 44. The usual pull wire 52 acts on the arm 50 to swing the type bar upwardly against the platen roller. A bumping ring 54 is provided on each segment to limit the severity of the type bar stroke. After the typing stroke the type bar will fall back on a cushioning ring 55 customarily employed.

The opposite or forward end of the pull wire 52 is connected to one end of a crank arm 56- pivoted at 58. The usual return spring 60 acts on the crank arm to return the type bar to its initial operating position. The free end of the crank arm is connected by a vertical wire 62 to one end of-a transfer lever 64 disposed therebelow. This last lever is pivoted about a wire 66 common to all the type bars in the set. In

order to allow the arrangement of the type bars of each set in an arcuate formation the connecting wires 62 are of varying lengths as indicated in Fig. 1.

One end of a link 68 is pivotally connected to the opposite end of the transfer lever 64. Link 84. Two such plates and two such levers 14 and I6 are provided for each type bar. I The plates are disposed side by side, plate 82 being partially concealed from view in Figs. 1 and 5. Rod 86 extending parallel to the sub-frame supports the plates 82 and 84 for fore and aft movement, the plates being slotted horizontally where rod 86 passes therethrough as shown to permit this movement. The forward end of each plate is provided with one or more projections or teeth 88. In the present embodiment of the invention three teeth is the maximum each plate may have. These teeth vary in position on each plate, and as will be pointed out hereinafter the number, as well as the position of the teeth, will determine the distance of carriage movement as each typing stroke is made.

The rear ends of the plates 82 and 84 for each type bar are directed angularly in opposite directions as shown. In normal inoperative position, the plates are disposed in their rearward position. To drive each plate forward, a toggle mechanism which can be broken as hereinafter described is provided. Each toggle mechanism comprises a pair of links and a projecting dog on one link which is tripped by the fixed horizontal bar 90 extending parallel to the sub-frame. The two links for plate 82 are shown at 92 and 94, link 92 having theprojecting dog 96 which is tripped by bar 90. The two links for plate 84 are disposed on the other side of the bar 90 and are referred to by numbers 92 and 94, the dog of link 92' being represented by number 96'. Each toggle mechanism is provided with a spring 88 or 98'. which is tensioned between the plate with which it is associated and the dog of the toggle mechanism and acts to swing the links inwardly toward stop bar 90. Stops I00 and I00 are provided on links 84 and 94', respectively, to limit the inward movement of the links when the links of each toggle are disposed in alignment as shown in Fig. 1.

Power means acts through the toggle mechanism to drive the plates 82 and 84 forwardly in the machine. To accomplish this, the rear links 94 and 94' of eachtoggle mechanism are each connected to one end of the crank arms I02 and Screws H0 and I I0 adjustably secure the springs I06 and I06 respectively to the support I08 and are capable of varying the tension of the springs. Individual adjustment of the coil springs is particularly desirable because it permits careful regulation of the type bar strokes and obtains a uniform printing impression irrespective of the size or design of the typing faces.

Each plate 82 and 84 is releasably locked in I rearward position against the tension of its respective spring I06 and I06 by dogging mechr nism o erable from the keys on the keyboard.

' to oneend of a crank arm ment with a depending tooth or lug on the plate with which it is associated and lock the plate wagainst forward movement. Dog H2 is associated with plate 82 and acts as a stop against which the lug II8 strikes. Dog H4 is associated with plate 84 and is a stop against which the lug I20 strikes. Spring I22 is associated with dog I I4 and as previously described acts to swing the dog into position to engage lug II8. A smilar spring (not shown) is pro dad for dog I I2. when a dog is rocked clockwise and is released from engagement with the lug on the plate with which it is associated, the plate will be impelled forwardly by the tensioned spring acting on the toggle mechanism. Fig. shows this action with respect to plate 84. The impelling action of the spring I06 which is urging the plate forwardly is broken when the depending dog 86 of the toggle mechanism is tripped by bar 80. Fig. 5 shows the toggle links in the process of being broken by the bar 00. v

Associated with each pair of plates 82 and 84 is a device for returning both plates to initial inoperative position against the tension of the power springs I06 and I06. This device is operated automatically from a continuously rotating member extending transversely throughout the machine. Referring to Fig. 5, the device for each pair of plates comprises a member I24 supported for vertical movement by spaced rods I26 and I28. The member is slotted to provide this vertical movement as shown. Intermediate the extremities of this member, tabs I38 and I32 are struck out. These tabs engagethe bottom edges of the crank arms I82 and I82 and when the member I24 is moved swing these crank arms counterclockwise against the tension of the springs. If the upward movement imparted by member I24 to the crank arms carries the plates 82 and 84 rearwardly far enough the dogs H2 and H4 will engage the plates and hold them against the tension of the springs and thereby relieve member I24 of the support of the crank arms.

Acting upon the bottom end of the member I24 is a cocking lever I33 pivoted intermediate its ends at I34. The end of the cooking lever acting upon the member I24 is provided with a light flat spring member I36 which, as shown in Fig; 5, yieldingly spaces the end of the lever from the rear rail 30. This spring, however, will yield to allow the lever I33 to rock counterclockwise when member I24 is pressed downwardly by the action of the springs I06 or I06 on their respective crank arms. The opposite end of the lever I33 is connected by a link I38 I40 pivoted at I42. The opposite end of the crank arm carries a half 'cycle cam I44. Extending transversely of the upwardly it acts to places the lower end of the crank arm I40 from the roller. This movement, as is apparent, swings the lever I33 in the opposite direction to that in which it is urged by the member I24 when the latter is depressed. Accordingly it acts to raise the member I24 and either one of the crank arms -I02 or I02 which at that time may be bearing upon the tab I30 or I32. This upward movement of member I24 as previously described will raise this crank arm and retract the plate 82 or 84 associated therewith through the toggle link mechanism. After one of the high sides of the cam faces I44 has escaped past the periphery of the roller I50 the crank arm I40 will swing counterclockwise to its initial operating position. A contact of the rotating member I44 with the periphery of the roller I50 is prevented at this point by the flat spring I36 which is strong enough to keep away the cam from contact. Thus it is only when member I24 is depressed by the action of one of the crank arms I02 or I02 that the rotatable member I44 is forced into contact with the roller. As shown in Fig. 5, the half cycle cam assemblies may be arranged alternately on opposite sides of the roller I50 to conserve space.

The type bars I6 and their associated operating mechanism and recocking mechanisms are all located upon a body which travels upon the rails 30 of the sub-frame. To positively lock this body with one of the sets of type bars in operating position, there is provided in the depressed portion 28 of the sub-frame a clamping mechanism which is manually controlled from the outside of the machine. As is clearly shown in Fig. 5, this mechanism comprises a shaft I52 to which is secured a cam element having two diametrically opposite cam faces I54. This shaft extends longitudinally through the depressed portion of the sub-frame and projects from one end thereof as is shown in Fig. 4. Journals are provided at spaced points along the sub-frame for permitting rocking movement of the shaft.

1 To the projecting end of the shaft there is fixed machine there is a continuously operated shaft I48 carrying a roller I50 against which the half cycle cam I44 is adapted to be pressed. It is obvious from an examination of Fig. 5 that if the lever I33 is rocked counterclockwise it will carry the rotatable member, I44 and its cam faces into contact with the' periphery of the roller I50. This shaft is continuously rotated in the direction of the arrow by power means not shown, and when the contact is made between the cam I44 and the roller, the cam rolls over on one of its high sides and laterally disa handle I56 which, when swung downwardly. will cause the shaft and the cam members associated therewith to rotate in a counterclockwise direction as viewed in Fig. 5. Pivotally supported upon rods I58 are clamping members I60 having turned over ends which are adapted to bear upon the supporting members 38 of the travelling body. Fitted to the sides of the subframe in the depressed portion 28 are flat spring members I62 which act, as is clearly apparent in Fig. 1, to swing the clamping members out of engagement with the supporting members 38. However, it is apparent that when shaft I52 is rotated counterclockwise it will carry the high sides of the cam faces I54 into engagement with the backs of the clamping members I60 and force them down into tight engagement with the supporting members 38. Thus, after one set of type bars has been disposed in operating position in the machine, the travelling member may be positively locked against any movement during the operation of the machine.

The keys on the keyboard are separately associated with each pair of plates "82 and 84. Novel operating means is provided for tripping one of the dogs H2 and H4 and positively preventing the other from being acted upon when the key I0 associated therewith is depress d. Considering the operating mechanism for one key II, a lever I64 is rockably supported intermediate its ends about a rod I66. The forward end of the lever is shaped to be engaged by the key when the latter is depressed. As is clearly apparent in Fig. 1, this will cause lever I64 to swing in a counterclockwise direction and carry its opposite rear end upwardly toward the front ends of the dogs I I2 and I I4 disposed thereabove. Pivotally carried on the rear end of the lever I64 is a trip lever I68 having ears I18 and I18 on opposite sides thereof which are adapted, when member I68 is swung to an inclined position, to engage the forward end of one of the dogs. Thus, when a key I8 is depressed it will cause the member I68 associated therewith to rise and trip one of the dogs and thus cause one of the plates 82 or 84 to shift forwardly its limited distance of travel. If, as shown in Fig. 5, the ear I18 engages and raises the forward end of dog II4 the plate 84 associated therewith will be forced forward by the action of its spring I86. Conversely, however, if member I68 is swung to an inclined position substantially opposite to that shown in the drawings the forward ear I18 will be in position for engaging the forward end'of the dog H2 and tripping the same so as to cause forward advancement of plate 82.

The two-positional character of member I68 is for the purpose of operating the type bar to print either a capital letter or a small letter. When it is in the position shown in the drawings it is adapted to cause the printing of a small letter. When it is shifted to an inclined position opposite to that shown in the drawings it is ready to cause the printing of a capital letter or other printed symbol.

For manually controlling the position of member I68, the usual shift key on the keyboard is provided with mechanism which swings the member I68 to its inclined position opposite to that shown in the drawings. The shift key is represented at I12 on the keyboard. When depressed it will swing a crank arm I14 in clockwise direction in Fig. 1 and pull link I16 forwardly. Since this link as shown in Figs. 1 and is attached to member I68 through 'a slotted connection I18, the member will be swung around its pivotal support on lever I64 to an inclined position equal to but opposite, that illustrated in the drawings. A stud I88 supports the link I16 for reciprocal movement.

When the shift key I12 is depressed it also causes the platen roller to rise so that the type faces carrying the capital letters may be in position to strike the platen. This is accomplished in any suitable way well known in the art. For example, the opposite ends of the platen roller may be carried upon arms I82 which are pivoted to the carriage at I84. To produce the upward movement of the platen roller at any point in the travel of the carriage an arm I86 having a grooved wheel I88 is provided for engaging a circular rod I98 extending across the bottom of the carriage frame. This arm is connected by suitable linkage I92, I94, and I96 to the rear end of the shift link I 16.

When material is typed upon a machine of this character, the carriage must be advanced'in step by step manner to present succeeding spaces on the paper for the type bars to strike thereagainst. It is the purpose of this invention as.

previously described to arrange the spacing of the characters on any printing surface in'serted in the machine in a way most pleasing to the eye. To accomplish this each character typed is given an individual spacing on the print receiving surface. Letters of large or small widths can the escapement mechanism therefore be printed in a way which is equal to a proof from printers type. The individual spacing of the characters is provided by novel escapement mechanism which varies the distance of travel of the carriage in accordance'with the particular character typed. This novel mechanism 28 is disposed in the rear of the machine below the path of travel of the carriage. In general, this escapement mechanism comprises a plurality of escapement devices arranged to act cumulatively upon one another and transmit the resulting action to the carriage.

In the present embodiment of my invention, seven such escapement devices are provided in generally indicated at 28. These devices are mounted as shown in a vertical stack, each device being of slightly less diameter than the device therebelow so that the mechanism has a conical appearance when viewed as a whole. Each device in the mechanism is individually operated by linkage extending to the front of the machine. Seven of such links corresponding in number to the escapement devices employed are shown in the illustrated embodiment of the invention herein. As previously mentioned the plates 82 or 84 are provided chine are so disposed opposite these teeth so as to be affected thereby when either the plate 82 or 84 is impelled forwardly when released by the dogs controlled from the keyboard.

Disposed in the path of movement of the teeth 88 on the plates 82 and 84 are a series of escapement operating elements corresponding in number to that of the escapement devices in the mechanism generally indicated at 288. Referring to Figs. 1 and 2, these elements are indicated at 288 and are arranged in a vertical plane just rearwardly of the keyboard but forwardly of the way through which the type bar segments travel so as not to interfere with their movement. These elements 288 are in the form of thin flat bars of inverted U-shaped formation. They extend the length of the keyboard as shown in Fig. 2' and the opposite ends depend downwardly be low the keyboard. As Fig. 4 clearly shows, studs 282 extending inwardly from opposite sides of the rectangular base frame 24 form pivotal supports for the ends of the elements. The elements are independently swingable about these studs.

Each element has a rearwardly extending arm 286 fixed thereto. Depending from the end of the arms 286 are links? which separately connect each element to an escapement operating member 2I8 extending rearwardly along the bottom of the machine to a below the escapement device 28. Each escapement operating member is of V-shape formation as shown in Fig. 4, the opposite ends of which are pivoted to the links 288 while the base of its V-shape is below the stack of escapement devices 28. Rod 2I2 which extend angularly to the machine as shown in Fig. 4 form pivots about which the escapement operating members 2 I8 rock. The rear end of each rocking member 2| 8 is connected by a vertical link 2I3 to one end of an escapement operating lever 2I4 swingable about a rod 2I6. The opposite end of each lever 2I4 acts upon the underside of a circular plate or disc 2I8 230 is carried above the bottom edge -the loose dog 246 engages which has connections capement devices 20. As shown in Fig. 1, the levers 2 are mounted in spaced vertical relationship in order to allow each lever to act upon a separate disc 2l8.

A comparison of Fig. 1 with Fig. 5 will show that when either one of the plates 82 or 84 is impelled forwardly, the teeth 88 provided on the front end thereof will strike one ments 260 depending on the number of teeth and rock the elements back as shown in Fig. 5. Three spaced teeth are provided on plate 84 shown in Fig. 5. These teeth therefore rock three escapement operating elements 200 out of line as is clearly apparent. The rocking motions of the elements 206 are transmitted to the V-shaped operating members 2"! and rock the latter about their pivot points. This rocking motion in turn is transmitted to the escapement operating levers 2H and acts to raise the discs 2! thus affected.

The novel escapement mechanism 20 as previously mentioned comprises a series of intercooperating escapement devices acting when two or more are operated simultaneously. Each escapement device consists of a tapered ring 220 around the top edge of which cut teeth 222 are provided. The ring 220 of each escapement device except the bottom of the seven shown herein is rotatively supported in a ball bearing race 224. The ball races and the rings 220 of the escapement mechanism vary progressively in size from the largest diameter at the bottom of the stack .to the smallest entering the stack of es- 01' more ele diameter at the top of the stack. They are arranged concentric to a shaft 226 which projects from opposite ends of the stack. As shown, the lower edge of each ring 220 rides on one set of ball bearings 226. A second set of ball bearings of each ring and acts to keep each ring from axial movement relative to the races. A ball bearing spacer ring 232 is provided for keeping the bearings in equally spaced apart condition.

Within each ring 226 is a pair of escapement dogs which act together upon the teeth 222 of the next lowermost ring 220. As shown in Figs. '7 and 10, the escapement device proper in each ring comprises a rocking frame 234 and a second rocking frame 236 arranged diametrically on opposite sides of shaft 226 spaced parallel axes 238. A link 239 pivotally at points spaced from the connect the frames together for joint rocking movement. On frame 234 a loose escapement dog 240 is mounted, on the other frame a tight or fixed escapement dog 242 is provided. The loose dog 246 is pivoted by screw 244 to the frame 234 for rocking movement parallel to the frame. A small coiled spring 246 is tensioned between the frame 234 and the loose dog and yieldingly acts to swing the dog in the opposite direction from the spring. A stop 248 is provided on the frame for limiting the swinging movement of this dog.

Extending between a fixed part on the ring and the frame 236 is a coiled spring 250 which yieldthat when the frames are in this extreme position of their rocking movement. The dogs 240 and 242 are so mounted on their respective frames that when the frames are in this extreme position of their movement urged by spring 256 only with the teeth on the iiextlower ring but when the frames are rocked to the opposite extreme: position of their moveattached to the frames pivot pins functions to ment the tight or fixed and pivoted about .7 formed by the pivot pins.

dog 242 meshes with the teeth of the lower ring while the loose dog is drawn inwardly out of engagement with the ring. If a force continuously urges the stack rings 220 to rotate in one direction the act of rocking the frames in one of the rings will click the dogs 240 and 242 in and out of mesh with the teeth of the ring below and all the rings thereabove will rotate intermittently so long as the rocking motions continue. In the present instance, the pull exerted on the carriage of the machine is transmitted to the top of the stack of escapement devices and tends to rotate the rings 22!) in the direction indicated by the arrow in Fig. '7. When the frames 234 and 236 in one ring are rocked this ring and all rings thereabove will rotate the distance of one tooth on the next lowermost ring.

To rock the frames 234 and 236 of each escapement device from operating levers 2l4, each ring has associated therewith a circular plate or disc 252. This disc is provided with a central hole slidingly fitting the shaft 226. Formed integral on rocking frame 234 of each escapement device is an arm 254 which projects inwardly toward the rim of the nearest disc 252 and is provided with a part 256 which rests thereon. It is obvious that when a disc 252 is raised it will raise the arm 254 and rock both frames 234 and 236 against the tension of spring 250. The ring within which these frames are mounted will then be rotated the distance of one tooth on the ring next therebelow.

Each disc 252 is connected to one of the discs 2l8 upon which the escapement operating levers act. The form of connection is by struts or rods 258 which pass through any discs intermediate the two discs which are connected together. Certain of the discs 2l8 and 252 are a little larger than the others in order to allow passage of their connecting rods past the edges of the smaller discs. Three connecting rods are provided for each set of discs H8 and 252. The rods are spaced equidistantly around the shaft 226. The smaller discs except those at the extreme ends of the stack are each provided with three equidistantly spaced arcuate slots 26! as shown in Fig. 8. Through these slots pass rods for operating other discs in the escapement mechanism. The smaller connected sets of discs 218 and 252 are arranged in corresponding positions, the bottom disc 2! connecting by rods with the upper disc 252, the

nxtlowermost disc 2l8 with the next highermost disc 252, and the third disc. 2l8 from the bottom with the third disc 252 from the top. With respect to the larger discs the order is reversed. The fourth from the bottom disc 2! is connected by the rods to the disc 252 which is seventh from the top, and the fifth disc 2|8 from the bottom is connected to the sixth disc 252 from the top. The sixth disc 2H3 from the bottom is connected by rods to the fifth disc 252 from the top, and the seventh disc 2! from the bottom is connected to the fourth disc 252 from the top.

Beginning at the bottom of the superimposed stack of escapement devices, the first ring is fixed in the braces 262 which support the bearing races. The second ring 220 is free to revolve in the ball race in which it is mounted but is retrained by its loose dog 240 which engages one of the teeth of the first ring. The third ring from the bottom is free to rotate but is restrained by the engagement of its loose dog with the teeth of the second ring, et cetera. At the top the eighth or top ring has affixed thereto a spur gear 260 which is Naturally the full range of widths of tween 1 and 43 is more than ample to take care thereby will permit escapement of the ring the distance of one tooth on the next lower ring. Assuming that the escapement device in the top is actuated, then only the top ring rotates the angular distance represented by the pitch or dis tance from one tooth to the next tooth on the second ring from the top. If, however, the escapement device associated with the ring 220' second from the bottom is operated, the whole stack of rotating rings escape a' distance represented by one tooth on the bottom fixed ring.

Any intermediate'ring in the stack will, if its escapement is operated, cause itself and all rings thereabove to rotate a distance represented by a tooth on the next lower ring.

If two or more escapement devices in the stack should be operated simultaneously, the efiect is cumulative. The action of one is added to the action of the other and the sum total is transmitted to the carriage. Since the carriage is continuously tending to rotate the stack of rings in one direction, the resultant action of two or more escapement operations is instantly transferred to the carriage and the carriage travels a distance until all the loose dogs are restrained from of any one font or design of typing face. It

possible to provide a very reduced range from 1 to 15 units, a moderate or average range from 5.

to 30 units, while an extended range would utilize the units from 8 to 43. All these different ranges can be obtained without shifting or adding elements or gearing to the machine. The escapement device described herein is capable of accommodating the extremes that might be desired for typeprinting Fig. 13 illustrates samples of printing (exaggerated for clarity) which are capable of being produced by the present invention. In the first place by shifting the segment units'back and forth on the rails 30 it is possible to print three kinds of fonts, such as roman, italic and bold face. At any time one of these units might be removed without disturbing th other and a unit substituted therefor containing a different font or design of type. In addition, the letters are given an individual spacing which sets them out on a print receiving surface in the most pleasfurther rotation by the teeth on the cooperating ring.

By setting an arbitrary measure for widths of characters it is possible by varying the diam- "eter of the rings 220 and by using different pitch teeth to get large numbers of character'widths from. a few escapement devices of the kind described. In the present embodiment of the invention, the diameters of the rings 220 and the pitch of the teeth have been selected so as to provide 43 uniform variations of letter spacing,

' that is to say, it is possible from the stack of seven escapement devices illustrated herein to advance the carriage anywhere from one more-- ment of space to 43 like increments of space without omitting any increment of space between these figures. Thus, if the largest character typed is given a width or space of 43 increments, it is possible by th apparatus described herein to divide the maximum width into 43 smaller widths all differing from one another by equal spacing increments. There is therefore a variety of 43 widths to choose from for the characters printed by this machine.

The arbitrary figure of 43 is selected herein as the maximum width becauseit is possible by fixing the escapement devices in values of 1, 2, 3, 6, 10, 20 and 30 to obtain by single or simultaneous operation of not mor than three escapement devices all values from 1 to 43. Thus the maximum space selected by this measure may be divided into 43 equal divisions. It is desirable, if possible, to minimize the number of simultaneous escapement operations. The fewer escapement operations that need be performed the longer will the parts last. Furthermore, there will be less load on the coil springs I06 and I06 since these springs operate the escapement devices in addition to imparting the typing strokes to the type bars.

ing spatial arrangements. The sample variable widt illustrates the use of a div ibl'e range of 43 units. The letter of largest width, W, occu- .pies 43 units. The remaining letters are of various lesser widths as indicated by the numerals below each letter, the letters t and i being the smallest in width. The division of the italic into units shows how, the letters of a different font may be given various widths to space them in the most pleasing way to the eye. The grouping of as illustrates the different width that may be required because of difference indesign of alphabets.

, The operation of the machine is similar to that of a typewriter-and may be briefly summarized. Selection of the kind of printing font is obtained by shifting the segment units back and forth along the track until the spring pressed balls releasably lock the desired unit in operating position when the parts in the unit and main frame are disposed in operating relationship. A depression of a type bar key will act as trigger upon the type bar mechanism and the stored energy of the coil spring acting on plate 82 (or. 84 if upper case letters are being typed) corresponding to this type bar will drive the same forward and impart a typing stroke to the type nism 20. The position and number of the teeth 88 on the plate control the operation of the escapement. The driving force exerted by the coil spring on the plat which is released will terminate when the toggle links are tripped and broken by the bar 90. This will occur before the type bar has made a printing impression so that its momentum alone provides the typing action. At the same time the plate is impelled forwardly, the cocking member I24 associated therewith is depressed and the two cycle cam I46 is pressed against the continuously operating roller where it receives a driving force sufficient to raise the cooking member and tension the released spring. In the meantime the released plate is retumed by the tension of the return springs on the type bar and toggle mechanism and is releasably locked against the tension of the driving spring by the key operated. dog which previously had released it.

In order that the operator may have manual rying a set of type bars variable control of the spacing of the platen independent ofthe control produced by character key actuation, I have provided seven separate control keys ll each having an arm I 5, one arm for each inverted U-bar 200. Such arm is hooked over its U-bar 200 as shown in Fig; 1. When one or more of said control keys II is depressed it pulls its controlled U-bar 200 forwardly in the same manner as if said bar had been actuated by either of the plates 82 or N and thereby controls theselective functioning of the escapement. This mechanism might be utilized by the operator for making corrections or for lining up as desired.

The clutch device generally indicated at 22 provides a positive connection between the escapement mechanism and the carriage when the latter is travelling in the direction it is tensioned but disconnects the drive between the escapement mechanism and the carriage when the carriage is returned for the typing of another line.

This clutch device is constructed in a novel manner to exactly hold the carriage in any adjusted position. It comprises a number of operating elements as follows: Fixed at the top of a spindle (shaft) 210 is a gear 21! which meshes with the carriage rack bar 24. Fixed midway of said shaft is a ratchet gear 212 with angular slanted teeth of fine pitch. Three pawls 213 are spaced apart by washers and pivoted on pin 214 fixed at its lower end in plate 215. Secured to an upwardly extending arm of plate 215 'is a flat spring 215 which is slit into three separate sections at its free end and pressedoutward on the tails of pawls 213 engaging the pawls with ratchet gear 212. Fixed in plate 215 is a sleeve 215 and fixed at the lower end of the sleeve is gear 218 which meshes with gear 250.

Three slightly different lengths of pawls are used so. that each. tooth of gear 212 may be held in three different positions. If the teeth are %4 inch apart at the pitch diameter then the holding positions are varied by V54 and since the gear meshed with the carriage rack is the diameter of'the ratchet gear the distance between possible stopping places is in; inch. In typing with variable width escapements in a typewriter the end of a line might be any multiple of the difference between any two different carriage feeds and in returning the carriage to the initial typing point the ratchet must be of very fine division to hold the carriage at the correct starting point.

What I claim:

1. A typewriting machine comprising, in combination, a print receiving surface, a bank of keys disposed in front of said print receiving sur face in spaced relation thereto, mechanism for imparting step-by-step movement to said print receiving surface formed of a plurality of escapement devices being in number substantially less than the total number of keys in said bankof keys and each adapted to impart a different step-by-step movement to the print receiving surface, said escapement devices operatively associated together so that two or more of the devices can be operated simultaneously and cause the print receiving surface to advance an amount equivalent to the sum of the separate steps imparted by the escapement devices thus operated, a track extending transversely through the machine from one side to the other between the bank of keys and the print receiving surface, a unit capable of 'movement along said track carfor striking the print receiving surface, type bar operating mocha nisms, means controllable from the bank of for causing the operation of said type bar oper-..

ating mechanisms selectively when the unit is.

disposed in predetermined position between the bank of keys and the print receiving surface,escapement operating elements arranged side-byside substantially parallel to the track but slighted when the unit is disposed in said predetermined position and upon operation of the type bar to project from the unit in which it is carried, said member being shaped to engage one or more escapement operating elements when thus projected and cause the operation of one or more escapement devices.

2. A type printing machine comprising, in combination, a print receiving surface, a set of type bars operable to strike said surface and make printing impressions thereon of varying widths, a bank of keys, operating mechanism between each key in said bank of keys and a type bar in said set of-type bars and adapted upon movement of the key to cause the type bar to strike the. print receiving surface, an escapement mechanism for shifting said print receiving sur face in step-by-step manner as said keys are struck, said escapement mechanism including a train of escapement devicesoperatively associated together and acting cumulatively in one direction from one end of the train to the other, each escapement device operating through succeeding devices in the train to cause a different "step-by-step movement of the print receiving surface, a plurality of movable escapement operating elements corresponding in number to the number of escapement devices in said escapement mechanism and each individually associated with one of the devices to operate the same,

said elements arranged together in proximity to all the type baroperating mechanisms, an element in each type bar operating mechanism operable upon striking movement of the type bar to engage and shift certain, escapement operating elements and thus cause the printreceiving surface to move a variable amount depending on the escapement operating element or elements moved, a separate set of keys corresponding in numberto said escapement operating elements, and operating connections extending from said set of keys to said escapement operating elements for actuating the latter independently of the operatingmechanism for said set of type bars.

3. In a typewriting machine, escapement mechanism for advancing a carriage variable distances of movement as typing operations are performed comprising, in combination, a series of ring-shaped members arranged co-axially in side-by-side relationship, said members provided with inwardly facing teeth around their common axis, all of said ring-shaped members with the exception of one immovable member on one end of the series being mounted for rotation about the axis, escapement devices carried by each rotatable member within the hole thereof and operatively engageable with the teeth of the next succeeding member in the series, operating means for independently actuating th escape.- ment devices of each member extending longitudinally through the holes in the members to their respective escapement devices, the arrangement of the teeth being diiTerent on each member so that each single escapement operation or combination of escapement operations imparts a distinct movement to the carriage.

4. In a typewriting machine, escapement mechanism for advancing a carriage variable distances of movement as typing'keys are operated comprising, in combination, a series of rotatable ring members arranged co-axially in side-by-side relationship, and provided with inwardly facing teeth around their axis of rotation,

the pitch diameter of the teeth on the ring memallow the ring member to which it is attached i to escape one tooth at a time on the next succeeding ring member, the escapement means in the last rotatable member adjacent said fixed member operating upon the teeth of the latter, and means for independently operating the escapement means of each ring member extending longitudinally through the holes in the ring members.

5. In a typewriting machine, a carriage, type bars and operating means therefor, and an escapement for shifting the carriage variable distances as the typing operations are performed comprising a series of ring-shaped members provided with inwardly facing teeth and arranged coaxially in side-by-side relationship, all the members with the exception of one fixed member on one end of the series being rotatably mounted, operative connections between the carriage and the member on the end of the series opposite to the fixed member tending to rotate the member, an escapement device carried within each rotatable member engageable with the teeth of the next succeeding member on the side nearest to the fixed end member and when operated adapted to allow the member within which it is carried and all other members on the other side to escape one tooth at a time, the teeth onsaid members being arranged differently from one of the next adjacent member and adaptedto engage the teeth to lock the two members together, means connecting said pawls for joint rocking movement in such a manner that the pawls when rocked alternately engage the teeth of the adjacent member and allow the member to which they are attached to escape one tooth at a time relative to the other member, operating rods extending longitudinally throughthe ring-shaped members, and means connecting one rod to each pair of pawls to rock the same independently of the others.

7. A typewriting machine comprising, in combination, a keyboard, a movable carriage having a platen upon which the typewriting operations are performed, escapement mechanism for imparting step by step movement to the carriage as typewriting operations are performed comprising a plurality of escapement devices each imparting a different movement to the carriage and so coupled together that two or more may be operated simultaneously and the summation of their action imparted to the carriage, a track extending between said keyboard and said escapement mechanism, a body movable along said track carrying a set of type bars adapted when positioned between the escapement mechanism and the keyboard to strike theplaten on the carriage, means renderingeach type bar operatively responsive to a key on the keyboard, when said body is positioned between the escapement mechanism and the keyboard, an operating connection for actuating each device in the escapement mechanism extending from the es-' capement mechanism under the track to the keyboard on the other side thereof, means responsive to the operation of each type bar for actuating one or more of said operating connections to thus operate one or more of said escapement devices, and special keys on the keyboard operatively coupled with said escapement operating upon which the printing impressions are made,

another so that each escapement operation-or combination of escapement operations imparts ef distinct movement to the carriage, a separate operating means for each escapement device extending longitudinally through the members to its respective escapement device, and means oneratively associating said last means with the type bar operating means and rendering the same responsive thereto.

6. Ina typewriter, mechanism for imparting step-by-step movement to a carriage as typing operations are performed comprising a series of ring-shaped members co-axially arranged and each mounted for rotation relative to the others, said members each provided with a series of teeth around their axis of rotation having a different pitch diameter, a fixed member adjacent one end of said series of rotatable ring members --having teeth arranged in a circle co-axial with said rotatable members, a pair of rocking pawls s carriedi by each rotatable ring member substantially at diametrically opposite points on. the member, said pawls extending toward the teeth connections and arranged to actuate the same Without causing a type bar to strike the platen.

8. A typewriting machine comprising, in combination, a keyboard, a carriage having a platen means for guiding the carriage in a movement parallel to the keyboard and spaced therefrom, a track extending between the carriage guiding means and the keyboard, a body movable along said track carrying a set of type bars adapted when positioned between the keyboard and the carriage to strike the platen and make printing impressions thereon, means rendering the type bars operable from the keys on the keyboard when the body is properly positioned on the track between the keyboard and the carriage, escapement mechanism for imparting step by step movement to the carriage located on the carriage side of the trackand comprising a purality of escapement devices each imparting a difierent movement to the carriage so coupled together that two or more may be operated simultaneously and the summation of their action imparted to the carriage, means for selectively operating said escapement devices including a plurality of control elements mounted on the keyboard side of the track, means carried by said body responsive to the operation of each type bar and adapted when the body is properly positioned between the carriage and the keyboard to operate one or more of said escapement operating elements simultaneously with the operation of the type bar, and operating connections extending from said escapement operating "elements under said track to said escapement mechanism and each one operatively connected with an escapement device therein.

9. The invention described in claim 8 characterized by' the fact that special keys are provided on the keyboard for actuating said escapement operating elements without causing a type bar to strike the platen.

10. A typewriting machine comprising, in combination, a keyboard, a carriage having a platen upon which the printing impressions are made, means for guiding the carriage in a movement parallel to the keyboard and spaced therefrom, a track extending between the carriage guiding means and the keyboard, a body movable along said track carrying a set of type bars adapted when positioned between the keyboard and the carriage to strike the platen and make printing impressions thereon, type bar operating means carried by said body and controlled by the keyboard for causing said type bars to strike the platen when said body is properly positioned on the track between the keyboard and the carriage, escapement mechanism for imparting step by step movement to the carriage located on the carriage side of the track and comprising a plurality of escapement devices each imparting a different movement to the carriage so coupled together that two or more may be operated simultaneously and the summation of theiraction imparted to the carriage, a plurality of elements for operating said escapement devices corresponding in number thereto and mounted adjacent to the track on the keyboard side thereof, means mounting each of said elements for movement away from the track, the operating means for each type bar including a member adapted upon operation thereof and when said body is properly positioned on the track between the keyboard and the carriage to be projected toward said operating elements, each of said members being shaped for engaging one or more of said elements and causing those engaged to move away from the track, and operating connections extending under the track and connecting each of said elements with one of the escapement devices in said escapement mechanism and rendering the devices responsive to the movement of the elements caused by said projectible members.

ALPHA F. COLTON. 

